James Abbott McNeill Whistler. 1834-1903.
Black Lion Wharf. 1859. Etching. Kennedy 42.iii; Glasgow 54.iv. 6 x 8 7/8 (sheet 8 3/8 x 10 1/8). Glasgow records 101 known impressions. Series: "Sixteen Etchings or Scenes on the Thames and Other Subjects." (Thames Set), plate 1. Professionally repaired tear in the top margin, outside the image. A rich impression with plate tone, printed on fine laid paper. Signed and dated in the plate. $4,750.
Whistler made Black Lion Wharf while he was staying at Rotherhithe. The etching was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1860. Whistler shows the old timber frame buildings, brick and stonework, rope, smoking factory chimney, old boats and general decay. He concentrates on the minute detailing of differing widths of board, lettering of signs, crooked window sashes and the ropes, rings and pulleys of machinery. He details quaintly constructed houses along the riverbank, with people idling on the waterfront and glimpses of trees in the distance.
Please click on the link to the Glasgow online catalogue raisonné Black Lion Wharf..
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